However, despite having one of the smallest budgets and staff on the grid, Lowdon says Marussia plan to run in Jerez.

"Yeah, I hope so," the Sporting Director told Sky Sports Online when asked if the car would be ready for the first test.

"Every team is working towards that, testing time in Formula 1 is incredibly limited, so if it is there and you can use it, you want to use it. That said there are a thousand tiny components that can stop you or slow you. But hopefully we will be there, that is certainly what we are planning for."

Marussia will switch from Cosworth power to Ferrari engines in 2014 and Lowdon thinks that will help the team progress.

"I think it will make a big difference," he added. "Scuderia Ferrari are a very, very professional outfit and it is an absolute pleasure to work with them.

"I am very excited about the product and also the service offer that they give us. They are very creative and very helpful, very knowledgeable and very experienced and we are relishing it - these new engines are a big challenge, but we are relishing it as we are going in there with a very strong partner."